The large woodshrike is found in south-eastern Asia, Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. Its natural habitats are temperate forest, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Thai–Malay Peninsula through Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to the Greater Sundas, including Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. It occupies primary and secondary lowland forests, mangroves, peat swamp forest, and lower montane forest. The species also uses forest edges, selectively logged areas, and mature plantations with tall trees. Within these habitats it forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy, often along edges and clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite the name, woodshrikes are not true shrikes; they now sit with vangas and allies and are adept perch-gleaners in forest canopies. The large woodshrike often joins mixed-species flocks, where its alert behavior helps spot predators and prey. Both sexes look similar, with subtle differences best noted by size and voice. It is generally tolerant of secondary growth and edges, which helps its conservation status.
Temperament
alert and active, often in small parties
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches; agile sallying flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and frequently associates with mixed-species feeding flocks in the canopy. Breeding pairs defend small territories and build a neat cup nest placed on a horizontal branch or fork. Both sexes participate in nest defense and provisioning of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, whistled phrases and repeated mellow notes, often delivered from an exposed perch. Calls include sharp chacks and scolding rattles used during flocking and alarm. Vocalizations carry well through the mid-canopy.
Plumage
Brownish-grey upperparts with a clean whitish throat and underparts, sometimes with faint dusky streaking on the breast. A bold white supercilium contrasts with a darker mask through the eye. Wings show a distinct pale or white patch forming a wing bar; tail often with pale tips. Feathers are smooth and close-textured, giving a neat, compact look.
Diet
Feeds primarily on large insects such as beetles, mantises, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, along with spiders and other arthropods. It hunts by perch-gleaning, hover-gleaning, and short sallies to snatch prey from leaves and bark. Occasionally takes small vertebrates like tiny lizards when available, but insects dominate the diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of forests, especially along edges, gaps, and river corridors. Also uses mangroves, swamp forests, and tall trees in selectively logged forest and older plantations. Often follows mixed-species flocks to exploit disturbed prey.
